Odisha Government Aligns Class 1 Enrolment Age with NEP 2020, Introduces Shishu Vatika

The Odisha government has revised the minimum enrolment age for Class 1, aligning with the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, children must be at least six years old as of September 1 to be eligible for admission to Class 1.

This policy change reflects a significant shift in Odisha’s approach to early childhood education, aimed at providing young learners with a robust foundation before entering primary school.

The revised enrolment age aligns with NEP 2020’s emphasis on age-appropriate education and ensuring that children are developmentally ready for formal schooling. By raising the age requirement, the state aims to create a smoother transition for students as they progress from pre-primary to primary education.

To support this change, the Odisha government plans to establish Shishu Vatika in all primary schools. This initiative will provide pre-school education for children aged 5-6 years, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to seamlessly transition into Class 1.

The Shishu Vatika program will focus on foundational literacy, numeracy, and cognitive development while fostering social, emotional, and physical growth. The state aims to implement a holistic approach to early education that nurtures young learners’ creativity and curiosity.

The Odisha government’s decision is a step toward realizing NEP 2020’s broader goals of universal access to quality early childhood education. By ensuring children are better prepared for the rigors of primary school, the state hopes to enhance learning outcomes and reduce dropouts in later years.

This policy change requires parents to adjust their enrolment plans and timelines for their children’s education. Schools will also need to adapt their infrastructure and resources to accommodate the Shishu Vatika initiative and comply with the new age guidelines.

The introduction of Shishu Vatika and the revised enrolment age underline Odisha’s commitment to building a strong educational foundation for its young learners. With these changes, the state aims to ensure that children not only begin their schooling journey at the right age but also do so with the readiness and skills needed to thrive in a structured learning environment.